Electrostatic discharge (ESD) is a discharge of stored static electricity that can damage equipment and impair electrical circuitry. Electrostatic voltages can result from friction including, pulling cabling through conduits, walking across carpeted areas, and building static charge in clothing. When you improperly handle electronic components, ESD damage occurs and can result in complete or intermittent failures. While networking equipment is commonly designed and tested to withstand common mode ESD events, voltage can sometimes discharge to some connector pins, which can potentially damage the networking equipment.
To protect against ESD damage, take the following measures before you connect data cables to the device:
Always use antistatic wrist straps. Make sure you adjust the strap to provide good skin contact.
Ensure that you properly ground work surfaces and equipment racks for protection against electrostatic discharge. You must connect the common point to the building ground wire. In a properly wired building, the nearest reliable ground is typically at the electrical outlet.
Avoid contact between equipment and clothing. The wrist or ankle strap protects only the equipment from ESD voltages on the body; ESD voltages on clothing can still cause damage.
Avoid touching any connector pins.
Do not remove the wrist or ankle strap until the installation is complete.
